NBA Commissioner David Stern says it would be risky for NBA players to decertify their union. Speaking with reporters Wednesday before the Charlotte Bobcats-Memphis Grizzlies game, Stern said if the union decertifies it wouldn’t just mean the end of the NBA players association, it would nullify the labor contract as well.

That would allow players to challenge antitrust laws, the commissioner said, an opportunity they don’t have with the collective bargaining agreement in place. But, he said, decertification is risky because there are $4 billion in guaranteed player contracts in effect for next season. “It’s a nuclear option,” Stern said, “but I’m not sure whether it isn’t the nuclear option that falls on the party that launches it.”

It will be interesting to see if the players have the collective courage to consider this “nuclear” option once the fight with team owners really starts. One thing is certain, though: David Stern is ready.